Mexico 59 Board of Education Update

This monthly update will be sent prior to noon the day after the board meeting. The board recording updates on the district YouTube channel immediately following the meeting each month.

Link to board agenda.

1. We will be student centered.
2. We will presume positive intentions and model the expectations we have for others.
3. We will keep board business to: board policies, the governance (strategic) plan, legal requirements, and the evaluation of the superintendent.
4. We will be prepared and present for meetings.
5. With items presented on the agenda, we will ask clarifying questions or request additional information at least 24 hours before a meeting. If more information is needed, questions may be asked during the meeting.
6. All agree to adhere to the chain of command and will direct others to follow the chain of command.

Lennette Brown, Chris Williams, Jon Calhoun, Mathew Pilger, Scott Nichols

Absent: Jessica Ekern, Michelle Stephens

School Personnel: Dr. Troy Lentz, Amber Henderson, Shelby Gaug, Dawn Malone

Gallery: Sky Strauss (Mexico Ledger)

• Board minutes from regular session 6/16/2026
• Bills Paid
• Treasurer's Report
• 2026-27 MACC Dual Credit Agreement

Full Report

Community Engagement. District updates, with a focus on financial issues, will be given at Kiwanis and Rotary in July.

Facilities. Work on the high school office continues, though the weather has slowed the progress; it's about a week behind. Bond expenses to date are at the link above in the full report.

Finances. A comparison of the June 2026 bank balances with June 2025 bank balances demonstrates that the district has healthy reserves. The change in position over the last year is due to voter-approved spending on bond projects. A comparison of the July 2026 and July 2025 state transmittal demonstrates that state revenues will likely decline this year. The district will likely experience a third year of declining revenue. District community members and employees will be engaged this fall before the FY 28 budget is developed to determine the best strategy to shrink the deficit.

Approval of July 2026 Personnel:

New hires include:

• Kelvin Polk, Math Teacher
• Amiee Blackburn, School Counselor
• Meghan Weidel, SPED Teacher
• Amy Hilderman, Health Science Teacher
• Amy Auwarter, 550 Counselor
• Sue Nixon, 550 Teacher
• Nancy Baker, 550 Teacher
• Deb Edwards, 550 Process Coordinator
• Sarah Newell, Paraprofessional
• Brooke Smithee, Paraprofessional
• Addison David, Paraprofessional
• Kendal Hilderman, Paraprofessional
• Jennifer Scarborough, Paraprofessional
• Melissa Megathilin, Paraprofessional

Internal Transfers:

• Leanna Bender, Perm Sub
• Jeanie White, Paraprofessional
• Libbie Bush, Paraprofessional

Other information included on the linked report includes new teacher week stipends, horizontal level changes, and extra/additional duties.

The best efforts are made to send this update prior to noon the day after the board meeting. These highlights are intended to offer information as a courtesy to stakeholders. This newsletter is not intended to replace board-approved minutes from the meeting. If there is something not mentioned for which you need more information, please email communications@mexico.k12.mo.us to be directed to the correct personnel. All board updates are posted to the district website.